Empties: Winter Edition 2016

Hey, all! So it’s been far too long since I’ve posted an empties. I’ve had a large collection accumulating since Christmas and in January I did a huge clean out of my stash. On top of that, my no-buy this month has forced me to use up a lot of things in my collection. All of this has lead me to feel very cleansed and renewed, like some good mojo is flowing. I feel like empties are just so satisfying; you finish something up and it’s gratifying, plus you get a reason to purchase something new. For whatever reason though, I was just really excited to write this post. Anyway, let’s jump into it, because I already know it’s going to be a long one today.

Makeup Empties:

Likes- In comparison, this is an affordable alternative to my usual Urban Decay De-Slick. The amount of product was decent and the mist was nice and fine, although it got a bit choppy in the end. It sets makeup alright, but does not mattify completely.

Dislikes- For the drugstore, it is a little on the higher end at $14. I find that is the case with most L’Oreal products. The smell also is also not my favorite. It’s a bit like baby powder, but not very pleasant.

Conclusion- I don’t think I will repurchase anytime soon. I liked the product, but did not find it outstanding enough to replace any of my favorite setting sprays.

Likes- This was a liquidy solution that I think was mostly a skincare item, but I used it as a primer. I primarily used it in the summer, which worked great for controlling my oily skin. It is also quite affordable and a little goes a long way, so more bang for your buck.

Dislikes- There isn’t a ton of product, but its size makes it travel friendly.

Conclusion- I might repurchase. I currently am not in the need for a lot of oil control lately and this is very mattifying since the winter has dried out my skin.

Likes- This is a very refreshing product and it smells great! It leaves a tacky finish to the skin, so it can indeed be used as a light primer.

Dislikes- The price is insane. This mini bottle was $16, I believe. The spray is also not refined as well, and can apply patchy. I didn’t find that this really prolonged my makeup wear, but I think that is because it did not control my oil.

Conclusion- This probably works best for normal to dry skin, and is just not suitable for me. I ended up finishing by using it as a sort of refresher inbetween layers of makeup. I don’t think I will be repurchasing this anytime soon.

Likes- This is a great affordable lash glue and has always worked well enough for me.

Dislikes- This tube actually ended up going bad on me and I feel like I ended up wasting a ton of product since this is still pretty full. It also does not hold the corners of lashes down super well, which is something that I struggle with having monolids.

Conclusion- I don’t think I will repurchase for myself anytime soon. I do have a smaller size bottle that came with a pair of lashes that I have in my kit, but I think I want to try an Asian lash glue next, which might be better suited for my monolids. If anyone has any recommendations, please let me know!

Likes- The packing when new is actually very sleek and posh looking. The product itself is not as bad as I expected. The texture is nice and smooth, the shimmer isn’t too glittery or underwhelming, and the pump on this is very functional.

Dislikes- For Forever 21, this ended up being quite pricey at around $10, I believe. I picked this up when they first launched their ‘high end’ line, but to be honest I don’t think the quality is equivalent to the price. It’s more like something great from the drugstore. Also, the color is not quite rose gold and is a little more pearly-pink.

Conclusion- Even if I could repurchase (it’s discontinued I think) I don’t believe I would. I don’t get much use out of liquid highlighters unless I mix them with my foundation anyhow.

Likes- The finish is great and the lightweight texture is nice. I have a full review on it here.

Dislikes- The color selection isn’t great. I found myself awkwardly inbetween shades, but unwilling to buy two since the price isn’t that inexpensive at around $14 a bottle. Also, I found that in the dead of summer this was not sweat and oil proof, but was much more longwearing as things cooled down.

Conclusion- I don’t really have much interest in repurchasing it, especially for the price at the drugstore. I think I would rather try something new instead.

Likes- I can see why this is a cult favorite. The texture is fine and it doesn’t apply streaky or patchy. The color is not too orange, but still warm enough.I love the slim and sleek compact packaging and the fact that the pan is nice and wide for a large brush to fit.

Dislikes- Although the pan is wide, it is quite shallow. I was expecting more product here than there was, especially for the price, but it did last me quite a while—almost 2 years. It does have some shimmer, though so if you prefer matte shades this isn’t for you. Also, it’s not a super universal shade and probably only suits light-medium to slightly tan. Super light and super dark complexions wouldn’t be able to use this.

Conclusion- I think I will eventually repurchase, but I am currently trying out some new things!

Likes- This ended up in my favorites a few times now, and I really did enjoy it. It makes my lashes very dark and pretty long with a lot of volume. It gives a very nice seperated effect, which I prefer for my lashes.

Dislikes- The formula is on the wet side which makes it difficult to handle at times. I like what the brush did for my lashes, but the hard plastic can be a bit pokey on the delicate eye area.

Conclusion- I might eventually repurchase, but probably not anytime soon. I feel like mascara is one of those things that you can constantly try new types of.

Likes- I did a full review on the duo of this here. I like the effect that this gave my lashes, and the natural bristle brush is nice, but this is just the gel. It dried up and I still have plenty of the fibers left.

Dislikes- I don’t like how I had more fibers leftover than the other. It’s like when you run out of conditioner and still have shampoo. It can get clumpy fast though and the fibers can fall out and irritate my eyes sometimes, especially since I wear contacts. I have real mixed feelings about the product because I liked it at first and it even ended up in my 2015 Favorites, but I’m not sure about it now. The price is also quite expensive for a mascara.

Conclusion- I’m not going to repurchase (I should say purchase since I was sent product for free). I just don’t think the system is quite right for me. However, I am very grateful to the gal that allowed me to test out the Younqiue products, as I was very curious about at least trying them. If you are looking to purchase any Younique but do not want to deal with interacting with a pushy saleslady, check out Lorraine’s page as she is very sweet.

Likes- The angled shape is nice, sort of similar to the new Anastasia Brow Definer but fatter. The shape allows for a very natural looking brow. The color is a great ashy black, and not too grey or harshly dark. The gel is nice and I like having it on the other end, as it is very convenient.

Dislikes- The shape doesn’t allow for a very precise or dark brow and isn’t that ideal for sparse brows. There also isn’t a very large color selection and the price is on the higher end for the drugstore at $16. Also, the pencil end ran out before the gel, so again with that shampoo and conditioner analogy.

Conclusion- I might repurchase eventually, but I’m not looking for a product like this right now.

Likes- I loved this so much I ended up buying the full size. The color is perfect and there is a large selection and diverse amount of undertones. The size of the tip is great for carving out a real precise brow.

Dislikes- As far as this mini size goes, it’s terribly small. It didn’t even wind up and was just one twist worth of product. It came with a mini pair of tweezers and gel though which are great quality and reasonable sizes.

Conclusion- I have no reason to purchase this particular tiny size, but I think I will continue to repurchase the regular size after I try the Brow Definer.

Likes- This is a great moussey texture and very lightweight. The color works well for under my eyes, and the selection has a nice range of cool and warm undertones. It is a very nice medium-full coverage.

Dislikes- I wish I had a darker shade to use on spots, as this color works best for under my eyes.

Conclusion- I have a backup of this that a friend got for me while she was in London. I like that I can use this when I have darker and more prominent circles.

Likes- This is my second tube of this product. I really enjoy it. The texture is lightweight, it mattifies well, and the scent is divine. It is more natural than a silicone based primer and does not irritate my skin.

Dislikes- As far as primers go, this is actually pretty affordable for high end but still not in the slightest inexpensive ($33).

Conclusion- I won’t be repurchasing anytime soon, but I still really love this product.

Makeup Tools Empties:

Likes- I can understand the hype around these, they apply foundation beautifully. I preferred the texture and lightweight application of the white one the best.

Dislikes- These tore super easily when I washed them and were very difficult to clean. I’m not sure if it was because I bought these in a set, but I feel like the quality wasn’t as high as I’d hoped for. Plus, the price is pretty outrageous.

Conclusion- I almost feel as though I didn’t really have the chance to give these a proper go, as I don’t think the quality is on par with the singles. I’d love to eventually try the black one, one day before making a decisive conclusion on the infamous Beauty Blender.

Likes- I loved the way this applied foundation! The density is great and it buffs foundation beautifully. It’s great for when you want a bit more coverage from your foundation. The price is also quite affordable! It’s a great quality with such soft bristles for the price.

Dislikes- I had hoped that this would have lasted me a bit longer, but it performed nicely all the same. It didn’t shed until the very end when it kind of just gave up on me all together. It was very difficult to clean, however, as the bristles are very tightly packed but makeup settled into the bottom, making it hard to reach.

Conclusion- I will eventually repurchase to have in my collection, but I’ve been preferring sponges lately.

Likes- I used this mainly to apply powder and never really got the chance to use it as a foundation brush. It’s nice and dense and the bristles are soft as well.

Dislikes- This also did not last as long as I had hoped, maybe about a year. It shed more than the Expert Face Brush did.

Conclusion- I don’t know if I will repurchase because I believe you have to buy it in a set. If it comes as a single, I’ll probably pick it up when Ulta has a sale on them, as they are constantly having BOGO 50% off on these.

Likes- I really love this sponge! It’s more dense and bouncier than the Beauty Blender. I like the way it absorbs water nicely. Also, it’s SO affordable at $6.

Dislikes- I’ve learned that you have to be a bit gentle with these so they do not rip. I originally bought this to use on clients, and when I washed it between applications, it became very delicate and ripped within the day.

Conclusion- I have already repurchased a replacement and I think I will continue to.

Likes- I’ve had these for years now and they were a gift and some of my first ever higher quality brushes. I’m a bit sad to see it go. The bristles are nice and soft and a good quality. They are from Target so they are on the more affordable side.

Dislikes- This began to shed rather decently towards the end of its life, which made it apply streaky.

Conclusion- I will not be repurchasing this, mostly because it came in a set and also because I don’t really like to apply foundation with a flat brush so much anymore.

Likes- I love that this is all natural and that it helps treat my acne well.

Dislikes- This is very potent and can be drying.

Conclusion- I will not repurchase after I finish the ones that I have, at least for some time. There is a sample that I tried (which you will see later in this post) that I want to buy a full size of instead.

Likes- I loved this mask! It cleaned out my pores nicely and left me with such a clear complexion the next day! The lemongrass gave it a lovely smell as well. Also, I’m quite excited to have finished this as now I am only 1 container away until I can get a free mask.

Dislikes- Usually LUSH fresh face masks come in at around $7 or $8 but this was in the $11 range. Also, I am quite bummed that this was seasonal.

Conclusion- If LUSH brings this back for the holidays coming up, then I will gladly repurchase and probably stock up. I hate that this isn’t available year round.

Likes- This was very calming and refreshing to the skin. I loved using this to finish off my skincare routine. It balanced the skin nicely. Also, it is quite affordable and easily available in the states.

Dislikes- I have no dislikes!

Conclusion- I want to first give the La Roche Posay Serozinc a go before I get this again, but I will probably repurchase eventually.

Likes- These were a very peculiar sort of accessory. These were like a little glove for each nail with a sponge inside that you soaked with nail polish remover and sealed off with a piece of special tape. These were much more effective than I anticipated, though. Also, you are able to use a touchscreen while wearing these, supposedly.

Dislikes- These were not what I expected at all. I was anticipating them to come with remover. Also, they essentially do what a cotton ball and bit of aluminium foil do and are not even a much higher quality replacement as one or two ripped while I was wearing. They are also very difficult to apply and a bit expensive for what they are.

Conclusion- I will not be repurchasing these, I think but I’m very interested in the other Kocostar products such as their conditioning nail treatment and foot treatment.

Likes- I loved the intricate color of this polish! It’s a beautiful and complex duochrome. The brush is nice and wide and gives a very smooth application. I love the formula as well. It dries quickly as well.

Dislikes- I hate how this dried up on me; that’s the downside to having a quick drying polish. You leave it open even the slightest bit and it shrivels up. It’s so sad because the color is so lovely.

Conclusion- I would repurchase this color if I could find it, but I think it has been discontinued, as the entire line is very hard to find now.

Shower Empties:

Likes- This is my favorite formula of shave gel by far. It leaves my legs very hydrated and leaves me without any nicks or razor burn. The lavender scent is also very nice as well and the price is affordable.

Dislikes- Nothing.

Conclusion- I will most likely repurchase, if not this exact scent this particular formula.

Likes- This has made it into plenty of empties before, so it’s safe to say I love this stuff. It’s very moisturizing and leaves my hair silky smooth, never stripped or dry. Plus, you can’t beat the price!

Dislikes- Nothing!

Conclusion- Although I love this, I think it’s time to try something new. I think I will try some other formulas from the same brand and I am also looking to try a higher end line as well, just for the sake of it.

Likes- This is actually a 3-in-1 that can also be used as a shampoo and bubble bath, although I find that it really only works best as a shower gel. It’s pretty standard, foams up nicely, and smells delightful!

Dislikes- These bottles are very difficult to get the last bit out of, and even then they are really large and hard to use up. It took years to finish these.

Conclusion- This was gifted to me, but I don’t think I will buy it myself.

Likes- This, like its companions, is a wonderful whipped texture and super hydrating formula. The scent is a nice warm, rich scent. The size is also a great for travel, which is what I primarily used it for.

Dislikes- I don’t dislike anything about this.

Conclusion- I probably won’t repurchase this particular scent, although it is lovely, but I will continue to repurchase these body butters.

Likes- I love the light, slightly floral but mostly warm scent! It’s also a soy based wax which burns cleaner for better air quality. The packaging is also made from recycled wine bottles, which I love the concept of. I love this candle so much it made it a favorites post.

Dislikes- It did not burn as evenly as I had hoped.

Conclusion- This was a gift, and I would gladly accept more, even in their other scents! I’m not sure if I would purchase another right away.

Sample Empties:

Likes- I took this sample when I travelled. I already knew that I liked this product, but wanted to limit the amount of liquids I would take since I was flying with only a carry on. It gives me great texture to my hair and helps me blow dry it straight.

Dislikes- Nothing.

Conclusion- I have 2 deluxe size samples that I will use up first before I conclude whether or not I’ll purchase a full size.

Likes- I absolutely LOVE this stuff! This is the spot treatment that I think will replace my Body Shop Tea Tree Oil. It contains tea tree oil as well but also aloe vera to soothe and rosemary to refresh.

Dislikes- Nothing so far!

Conclusion- I’m very excited to get a full size of this after my no-buy is complete!

Holy cow, I’m overwhelmed! This was the empties post to end all empties! I think I’ve tried about 5 of the products that you finished up. I also was disappointed with Simple micellar water, but for different reasons. It badly irritates my eyes so I can’t use it to remove my eye makeup. On the other hand, it does a good job of removing my foundation/face makeup. I don’t think it dries out my skin, but then I use a cleanser afterwards and then follow with serum and moisturizer so I wouldn’t have noticed. I’m going to try the Garnier next coz Bioderma is just too pricey for me.

Haha yeah Allison, I already knew going into it that it was going to be SO long! Thanks for sticking it out though 🙂 The Simple Micellar Water was a huge letdown for sure. I have the Garnier and I’ve been using it on and off. It’s definitely worth a try and I think it’s the best drugstore one I’ve tried so far, but nothing still compares to my Bioderma ❤ It is starting to get cheaper on Amazon though!

Yes, Ursula it was kind of insane to write such a long post! I’m glad it helped me weed out my collection though and you’re right— now I know more about what works for me! Can’t wait to see yours coming up 🙂

Wow you sure used up a lot of products. Way to go! I Sad about the beauty blenders, I’ve had some for years and they hold up still well after all the washing I do to them, same with the real teachniques brushes…too bad.